A Halifax man convicted in the violent death of a Montreal-born yoga instructor and businesswoman is appealing his second-degree murder conviction and sentence.
Nicholas Butcher was convicted of second-degree murder in April after a jury found he stabbed 32-year-old Kristin Johnston to death on March 26, 2016.
READ MORE: Nicholas Butcher found guilty of second-degree murder in Kristin Johnston’s death
The conviction carries an automatic life sentence, but Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Joshua Arnold ruled in August that Butcher would be able to apply for parole after serving 15 years, less 880 days for time served.
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A notice of appeal filed recently cites several grounds for appeal, including that Arnold erred in allowing evidence of bad character, and hearsay statements of the deceased.
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Nicholas Butcher in court for parole hearing -
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Nicholas Butcher jury begins deliberating -
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Closing arguments delivered at Nicholas Butcher’s murder trial -
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Jury in Nicholas Butcher trial hears 911 call -
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Murder victim’s friend faces cross-examination at Nicholas Butcher trial -
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Kristin Johnston’s final hours detailed by friends at Butcher murder trial in Halifax
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The notice claims Arnold’s instructions to the jury were too lengthy and complicated for the jury to follow.
It also says the period of parole ineligibility was too harsh.
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